LESLIE WAYNE TURNER (PAWISTIK)

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LESLIE WAYNE TURNER (PAWISTIK) September 22, 1963 - November 26, 2014 Leslie Wayne Turner passed away after a brief illness at the Health Sciences Centre on November 26, 2014. Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Sarah Gazan; daughters, Alicia Turner, Felicia (Curtis) Turner, April (Alexander) Turner, Kaya Gazan and Hannah Turner; grandchildren, Lena Sanderson, Luke Turner and Alexander Sanderson Jr.; sisters, Elizabeth (Don) Pranteau and Sharon (Ken) George; brothers, Ernest (Lillian) Turner, Brian (Georgina) Turner, Harold Turner, Randy Turner, John Turner Jr. and Jason (Alice) Turner; sisters-in-law, Leah Gazan and Gina (Ken) Carradine; brother-in-law, Felix (Jackie) Walker; aunts, Louise Mercredi and Alice Cook; uncle, Leonard George; godson, Donald Francois and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Adopted and Ceremonial family; Caroline Azure and family, Marie (Sonny) Ballantyne and family, Maria Campbell, William (Isabelle) Carriere and family, Michael Hart, Marlene Dumas and family. Leslie was predeceased by his father, John Turner; his mother, Lena (Turner) Ballantyne; his stepfather, Simon Ballantyne, and his in-laws, Albert and Marjorie (LeCaine) Gazan. Leslie was born on September 22, 1963 in Grand Rapids, Manitoba. He received his social work degree from the University of Manitoba and spent his life helping others. Helping was what Leslie loved to do. He was especially proud of his work as the Coordinator of the ininiwi kiskinwamakewin Centre at the University College of the North and often talked with excitement about his work with the Elders and students there. As a pipe carrier and sweat lodge and fast camp conductor, he was happiest in the bush as an oskapewis doing Creators work. Leslie was a kind, generous and humble man who always opened his door to those who needed him, sitting quietly listening and sharing stories from his life. He loved to tease and those who knew him will surely remember him for his sense of humour, smiles and laugh. Leslie was a wonderful husband to Sarah, and father to his five daughters, no words can truly describe the unconditional love, quiet wisdom, and strong sense of values that are part of the legacy that he has left his children. Family was so important to Leslie, and he always worked hard to make sure all those that he loved were well taken care of. His love, laughter and life will be missed. We would like to thank the staff of the Health Sciences Centre Critical Intensive Care unit for the tremendous care of Leslie and compassion shown to our family. We would also like to thank Mistipawisitik Cree Nation, Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation Family and Community Wellness Centre, University College of the North and the Roseau River First Nation for their support. Finally, we would like to acknowledge all those who sent prayers, songs and words of encouragement during this difficult time. Leslie would have been so proud to see everyone come together with such love. Wake Services were held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, November 30, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Chief Peter Beardy Memorial Hall in Grand Rapids, Manitoba. Funeral Service will be held today, Monday, December 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chief Peter Beardy Memorial Hall in Grand Rapids with Rev. Steve Martin officiating. Interment will follow at St. John's Anglican Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to ANDERSON FAMILY FUNERAL HOME Ashern, Manitoba 1 866 293 4951

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 01, 2014